How to report fraud

Benefit fraud is now being dealt with by the Single Fraud Investigation Service at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Benefit fraud costs the public millions of pounds in stolen benefits. If you think someone is committing benefit fraud, you must report them and stop them taking money from the people who need it most.

There are 2 ways to commit benefit fraud:

• Intentionally not reporting a change in details or circumstances.
• Being dishonest in order to get benefits.

How to report fraud

You can report suspected Housing Benefit fraud in three ways:

Online

Telephone: 

Contact the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.  

Your call is free and confidential, you do not have to give your name and address.  Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm.

If you have speech or hearing problems you can use a text phone service on 0800 328 0512 or welsh speakers can call on 0800 678 3722.

By post:

NBFH, PO Box 224, Preston PR1 1GP

There has to be a good reason for investigating someone for benefit fraud - so you'll need to give as much of the following information as possible:

• The name and address of the person you are reporting and their partner (if they have one).
• The type of benefit theft you think they are committing and why you suspect them.
• Their employer if you think they are working.
• Information about their vehicle if they have one.
• What the person looks like.
• The other people who live in the house.